City schools band hits high notes

YOUNGSTOWN — Jah-Nice Berry’s tiny frame belies the big sound she gets as a drummer in the Youngstown Schools Citywide Marching Band.

The Youngstown Early College senior likes it that way.

“I love playing the drums,” Jah-Nice, 17, said. “I love the bass drum. You can play it with such authority.”

When the five-foot percussionist straps on the harness that holds the bass drum in place, the instrument covers more than half of her body.

“People look at me and think, ‘Oh, my God, why is she carrying that big drum,’” Jah-Nice said.

She’s one of a small number of city school students participating this week in summer band camp. The camp runs for the next few weeks at the Chaney campus.

Thirteen musicians gathered in the school’s band room today, learning the music before they begin marching on the field.

This marks the second year that Shawn Marko has led the city schools band. He hopes more students join in as band camp and the school year progress.

For the complete story, read Thursday's Vindicator and Vindy.com